As the "what's wrong with English players debate" rages on, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas makes an interesting observation: unlike players from other European countries, the English don't tend to expand their horizons by playing abroad. "It looks like [English players] are comfortable where they are and that is it," the 20-year-old says in an interview with the London Times. "For me, I had to leave my country to fight for my life and my chance and my dream. Sometimes that is what you have to do, but I don't see a lot of English players going to Spain or Italy."

Indeed, soccer is an increasingly global game, suggesting that the reluctance of English players to move abroad could be undermining the growth of the national game. "There are amazing players and amazing talent in England," Fabregas says. "If they had the chance to go to another country and they could do it; there would be more English players who are great." Fabregas certainly knows what he's talking about. Since moving to London at age 16, the Arsenal midfielder has emerged as one of the world's best players. He might not have had the same chance at Barcelona, his previous club, whose youth academy produces more talented players than it can support.

Fabregas adds that the language barrier and concerns about a different culture and a more expensive city didn't figure into his decision. In fact, he reveals that he didn't initially love London, but these were secondary considerations to the chance to prove himself at a top club.